BPPV is one of the top conditions that every vertigo chiropractor in Calgary addresses. A problem rooted in the inner ear, it can make someone feel intense vertigo spells after doing sudden head movements. 

This blog will help you understand what it is like to live with BPPV (positional vertigo in layman's terms) and how one can find relief through a natural form of care.

What is Benign Paroxysmal Positional Vertigo?

One of the most common causes of vertigo is BPPV. This is characterized by short episodes of mild to intense vertigo episodes. These vertigo attacks come about when you move your head too suddenly or rapidly in awkward directions. For example, BPPV episodes might occur when you lie down, tilt your head up and down, or sit up in bed too quickly.

You would know its benign paroxysmal positional vertigo (BPPV) when you deal with these symptoms:

• Mild to intense vertigo episodes
• Dizziness
• Vomiting
• Unsteadiness
• Nausea

These signs and symptoms, especially vertigo, can be bothersome. But they are rarely serious except when your vertigo leads to slip and fall accidents. The symptoms also often come and go. Vertigo doesn’t also last for long—only a minute or less on average.

What Causes BPPV?

BPPV develops when tiny calcium stones move into and get trapped within the inner ear’s semicircular canals—the part of the inner ear that controls balance. As a result, the semicircular canal becomes more sensitive to head movement and position changes.

Here are other events that may trigger a BPPV attack:

• Head or neck trauma
• Riding bikes on rough trails
• Keeping head in the same position for an extended period

To learn more about the connection between head and neck injuries and vertigo, download our complimentary e-book by clicking the image below.

What is it Like to Live with BPPV?

Imagine waking up in a good mood, but as soon as you rolled out of bed to begin your day, your room spun uncontrollably. Drenched in sweat, you felt nauseous and almost throwing up. For the next 12 hours, you still found yourself in the same state, even when you were simply standing up or trying to move your head. 

That pretty much describes what it feels like to live with BPPV.

Although the symptoms are not too severe, its effect can be life-changing as it makes you feel restricted in doing the things you love. The worst thing about it is that no one can visibly see that you need support. No one can see how dizzy and disoriented you are, even if they stare right through your eyes. 

Others even gave up their office jobs because they could not handle staring at the computer screen for extended periods. Some people are even afraid to travel because plane rides trigger their vertigo episodes. 

For these reasons, vertigo patients need more compassion, care, and understanding, as they carry an invisible illness. If you have BPPV, you must build a strong support system through your loved ones and a vertigo chiropractor in Calgary. These people can take care of so you will not feel alone as you go through the recovery stage.

Four Steps to Manage Your Positional Vertigo Naturally

Are you dealing with bouts of vertigo due to BPPV? Feel free to take these steps to address your symptoms naturally.

• Know the cause of your BPPV

Every vertigo chiropractor in Calgary could not agree more with the importance of identifying the root of your vertigo. This way, you can get the appropriate help you need. In addition, keeping a journal or diary may help you trace the source or triggers of your episodes. You can then discuss this recorded information with your healthcare provider. 

• Try Epley maneuver

This is also called “canalith repositioning,” which involves body and head movements to move calcium crystals out of the semicircular canals. A professional therapist best performs this therapy. But you can also perform a modified version of this exercise at home. Here’s how you can do it:

1. Sit upright with a pillow behind you. 
2. Shift your head at a 45-degree angle to the right side.
3. Next, lie down quickly on your back while still turning your head to the right side.
4. Hold this head position for approximately 30 seconds. 
5. While still lying down, turn your head slowly at a 90-degree angle to the left. Be sure that you do this without lifting your neck. Hold your head in this position for 30 seconds.
6. After 30 seconds, slowly turn your head and body to the left side with the same 90-degree angle. Hold in this position for 30 seconds.
7. Lastly, slowly bring your body up and sit down.

• Consider Semont maneuver

This exercise is just like the Epley maneuver, but the only difference is that it does not require as much neck movement and flexibility. Here is how you can do it by yourself:

1. First, sit on the edge of the bed.
2. Next, turn your head at a 45-degree angle to the right side. 
3. Then, lie down quickly on your left side. Hold this head and body position for about a minute.
4. After, reposition your body quickly on the right without changing the position of your head. You also need to hold this position for one minute.
5. Once you’ve completed those movements, you can now slowly sit up on the edge of the bed. Keep your head balanced for about 10 minutes.

• See a trusted vertigo chiropractor in Calgary

If there’s a takeaway from this blog, it is learning that you should not lose hope. You can get relief and restoration inside Vibe Health & Spine. One of our trusted vertigo chiropractors in Calgary can provide you a safe, gentle, and precise neck adjustments to manage or eliminate your BPPV. 

The goal of upper cervical chiropractic care is to correct the underlying misalignments in the top two bones of your neck. When these errors are addressed, the body can naturally regain optimal health. This will then solve your vertigo and other BPPV symptoms. 

Start your recovery journey today by connecting with us. Book an appointment with one of our chiropractors through this form or give us a call at 587-803-3354.

To schedule a consultation with Vibe Health and Spine, call our Calgary office at 587-803-3354. You can also click the button below.

If you are outside of the local area you can find an Upper Cervical Doctor near you at www.uppercervicalawareness.com.